Tony Khan has shifted AEW’s backstage operations by introducing full production meetings before the TV tapings, marking a departure from his previous informal approach. This change aims to bring a more structured and coordinated environment, addressing past criticisms of disorganization and avoidable production errors on AEW broadcasts.
According to Bryan Alvarez, who shared this update with his X subscribers, Khan is now gathering key personnel such as top agents and announcers in one room to thoroughly review plans ahead of each show.
“Tony Khan has been doing actual production meetings for a while now, getting the top agents, announcers, etc., all in a room together to go over things before the shows.” —Bryan Alvarez, Wrestling Reporter
Previously, Khan’s meetings were fragmented, consisting of several individual conversations scattered throughout the day before tapings. Alvarez explained this earlier approach did not meet others’ expectations for what constitutes a formal production meeting.
“Tony (Khan’s) production meeting was, well, I go and I meet with these guys and then I go meet with these guys… He just did these meetings throughout the day and that was what he considered production meetings,” Alvarez explained. “Other people were like, that’s not a production meeting. So the point of this is, of late, he actually is now doing production meetings.” —Bryan Alvarez, Wrestling Reporter
This transition has been in place for several months as Khan attempts to improve coordination and minimize mistakes during live broadcasts of AEW programming.
AEW’s Media Rights Deal Signals Future Pressure
Despite the move to tighten backstage operations, AEW faces increasing pressure in the competitive sports entertainment landscape. In October 2024, the company secured a significant media rights contract, reportedly worth $555 million over three years, to keep its flagship shows Dynamite on TBS and Collision on TNT. This deal averages more than $185 million annually, with an option for a fourth year.
However, wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer has expressed concerns about the future, noting how other combat sports such as boxing are drifting away from traditional television coverage. This evolving environment could present challenges for AEW’s broadcast model and overall success going forward.
AEW’s next major event on July 30 will feature Hangman Adam Page defending the World Championship against former champion Jon Moxley on Dynamite, a high-stakes match that underscores the promotion’s desire to maintain viewer interest amid these uncertainties.
Other Wrestling Developments Highlight Ongoing Uncertainty
Meanwhile, WWE storylines are also creating a tense atmosphere going into SummerSlam 2025. Roman Reigns teams up with Jey Uso to face Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, with predictions favoring the former Bloodline members. These matches add to the global wrestling calendar that AEW must compete against.
In other WWE-related news, a former WWE star recently shared a negative experience working with actor Adam Sandler on a segment that ultimately was never aired. Additionally, a WWE Hall of Famer revealed a significant obstacle preventing their return to the company, while Drew McIntyre’s status for SummerSlam remains uncertain but possibly salvageable.
Cody Rhodes shared a lighter moment, revealing that his daughter believes he is a professional dancer, while CM Punk expressed deep gratitude for having wrestled John Cena during Cena’s retirement tour. CM Punk is also set to compete against Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam 2025, a match generating substantial anticipation.
Adding to the tension, a surprising WWE star has expressed interest in stepping in to replace Drew McIntyre at SummerSlam, signaling possible last-minute changes to the event lineup.
Significance of Tony Khan’s Changes and What Lies Ahead
The introduction of full production meetings by Tony Khan signals AEW’s recognition of the need for greater backstage organization amid mounting industry pressures. By consolidating communication and pre-taping planning, AEW aims to reduce costly errors and produce a smoother broadcast experience.
As AEW balances this operational overhaul with the demands of a lucrative media rights contract and evolving viewer habits, the company’s ability to adapt quickly will likely determine its longevity and growth. Upcoming events such as the Dynamite title defense and SummerSlam matches will test the effectiveness of these changes in the highly competitive wrestling market.
